It is a way to meet prospects off the field and evaluate how their game film translates on the field. It is not a be-all, end-all in determining a draft hopeful’s future, but it is a way to compare and contrast physical and athletic measurements in a neutral environment.

And when teams apply their respective criteria to the subjects at hand, trends are the byproduct, as Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have evidenced over the last several years.

The Patriots personnel department has drafted 36 players since 2010. The collection consists of two quarterbacks, two running backs, three tight ends, four wide receivers, three offensive tackles, one center, three defensive ends, two defensive tackles, six linebackers, five cornerbacks, three safeties and a punter.

Six of whom had to wait until their pro days, while 30 of whom were invited to Indianapolis.

But courtesy of the NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com archives, here’s a closer look into their vital numbers by position. Because while we do not know what the future will bring this May, history is often a trajectory of the future. (more…)

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

LSU RB Jeremy Hill will be one of the players the Patriots watch closely in Indy.

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

It’s always difficult to identify which prospects the Patriots will target in the draft. Most of the time it’s hard enough trying to figure out which needs they might try to fill. For that reason the combine brings excitement, anticipation, and over-analysis as fans and media try to determine which players their team will be focused on.

This week in Indianapolis there will be players on the field that will play for and make an impact on the Patriots next season, it’s inevitable. It is our job to try and figure out which ones that will be. Here is a position by position breakdown of prospects the Patriots could be watching closely at the combine.

Saturday, February 23rd, 2013

The Combine has arrived.

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

The first day of on field drills is in the books at the Combine. Saturday saw all the offensive linemen and tight ends take to the field to showcase their skills. There was plenty of information to sort through and process from the three groups who worked out. Who helped themselves? Who hurt themselves? What did we learn? What will tomorrow bring?

NEPD Editor Mike Loyko breaks down all the action in his day one combine wrap up video.

Monday, February 11th, 2013

As the NFL Draft season approaches, agents by nature will seek to promote their players as much as they can through the media. The reasons for such endeavors are: to gain publicity for the possibility of possible off-the field revenues and opportunities, to provide a means by which those in the scouting world can better grasp who the player is and what he is about, and so that the public at large can also do the same.

Like large and well-run corporations and brands know, a good public relations effort can generate good will and support from diverse factions that can prove fruitful down the road.

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

As NFL hopefuls finish their respective bowl games and seasons, they turn their attention to the prospects playing at the next level. Many find themselves being courted by various agents who wish to garner them as clients.

One of the key talking points of these negotiations that can have a dramatic effect on players’ careers, is where the player will train for the NFL Combine and his school’s pro day.